Dirty Spritz Recipe with Citrus Aperitivo and Olive Brine Recipe

If you’re looking for a cocktail that feels both refreshing and delightfully unexpected, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Dirty Spritz Recipe with Citrus Aperitivo and Olive Brine Recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it balances tart, bitter, and savory notes in such a fun way. When I first tried it, I didn’t expect to love it this much, but let me tell you—you’re in for a fan-freaking-tastic treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from lazy afternoons to lively gatherings.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here lives in the balance of ingredients. You’ll want a quality citrus aperitivo for bright bitterness, fresh lemon juice for zing, olive brine for that savory kick, and tonic water to add some sparkle. Shopping tip: try to find a good-quality aperitivo and fresh olives—you’ll taste the difference!

• Citrus Aperitivo: Choose an aperitivo with citrus-forward notes to brighten the drink.
• Tonic Water: Pick a tonic with natural quinine and minimal added sugar for the best fizz without overpowering sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is key—you’ll get a lively, fresh tang that bottled just can’t match.
• Olive Brine: Don’t skip this—it’s what gives the spritz its “dirty” character. Use a brine from good-quality green olives for a cleaner, fresher flavor.
• Olives: I love using green Manzanilla olives stuffed with pimentos—they add a beautiful pop and mild flavor.
• Thyme Sprig: Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal aroma that complements the savory notes beautifully.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Dirty Spritz Recipe with Citrus Aperitivo and Olive Brine Recipe quite a bit. What I love is how easily you can tweak it to match your mood or what you have on hand—don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

• Herbal Twist: I once swapped thyme for rosemary and loved the piney, earthy notes it added—especially great for cozy winter evenings.
• Different Brine: Trying brine from kalamata olives offers a deeper, fruitier “dirty” flavor; just reduce quantity to avoid overpowering.
• Lower Alcohol: For a lighter drink, add a splash more tonic water and reduce the aperitivo slightly—it still packs tons of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of bitters or a tiny pinch of chili flakes for an unexpected zing I discovered one night, which quickly became a hit with friends.

How to Make Dirty Spritz Recipe with Citrus Aperitivo and Olive Brine Recipe

Step 1: Gather and chill your glass

I always start by placing my collins glass in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes—this keeps your cocktail chilled longer without diluting it quickly. Plus, it just feels refreshing to sip from a cool glass when the weather’s warm.

Step 2: Mix and pour your ingredients

Pour 1.5 oz of citrus aperitivo, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.25 oz olive brine directly into your glass. Top it off with 3 oz of tonic water. Don’t fill to the brim right away; leave space for ice—you’ll thank me for this when your drink stays perfectly cold without watering down.

Step 3: Add ice and stir gently

Fill the glass with plenty of fresh ice cubes—big ones work best since they melt more slowly. Then, use a bar spoon or regular spoon to stir just twice or thrice. The goal here is to combine flavors without losing all the fizz from the tonic water, so don’t over-stir!

Step 4: Garnish and enjoy

Finish with one or two green olives on a cocktail pick and a sprig of fresh thyme. The olives add a salty bite you’ll love, while the thyme provides a lovely herbal aroma that makes each sip special. Then, raise your glass and enjoy the bright, unexpected deliciousness.

How to Serve Dirty Spritz Recipe with Citrus Aperitivo and Olive Brine Recipe

Garnishes

Honestly, olives and thyme are my go-to garnishes because they perfectly highlight the “dirty” and herbal elements of this spritz. But sometimes I swap thyme for rosemary or add a twist of lemon peel for an extra citrus aroma. It’s fun to play around with garnishes to tailor the experience.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this cocktail with light Mediterranean bites like marinated olives, stuffed grape leaves, or a cheese board with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and a drizzle of honey. It also goes wonderfully alongside grilled seafood or a crisp salad—a perfect companion for summer entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the Dirty Spritz in vintage glassware with a matching cocktail pick threaded with olives, lemon slices, and fresh herbs. Adding a small edible flower on top of the thyme sprig always surprises guests and makes the presentation extra elegant. It’s those little touches that take this simple spritz to the next level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually don’t store leftovers since the tonic water loses fizz quickly, but if I must, I keep the mixed ingredients (aperitivo, lemon juice, olive brine) in the fridge separately and add tonic water fresh when serving. This way, the spritz stays bright and fizzy longer.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t really a thing for this recipe—once tonic water goes flat, the whole experience drops. However, you can freeze ice cubes ahead shaped with olives or herbs inside for a fun twist when serving fresh spritzes.

Reheating

This isn’t a warm cocktail, so reheating doesn’t apply. To keep your drinks fabulous, fresh is definitely best here. Making one or two at a time ensures optimal fizz and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Dirty Spritz Recipe with Citrus Aperitivo and Olive Brine Recipe is one of those cocktails that surprises you by how well those savory and citrusy parts play off each other. Every time I make it, friends ask for seconds—and honestly, I can’t blame them. It’s a versatile, refreshing drink that’s simple to put together but feels a little fancy. So next time you want to shake up your cocktail routine, trust me—give this spritz a try. You might just find it becomes your new go-to, like it did for me.

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